Let Your Light Shine!
By L. G. Bracken

In my book Music, Ministry & Miracles I share about the ability of Christian television to get into people’s homes with the Gospel. The vehicles of Christian television or radio or publication are only viable if the people receive the message by turning on their devices or reading the books that carry the Message of Love or look at the world through the lens of Scripture and the context of knowing His Story.

I know all too well the power of the media to shape people’s world view and have their perspectives skewed by the hidden agenda of the enemy, the father of lies. We are told to be bearers of light and tellers of truth; in that respect we must always be aware of the opportunities presented to us to share the hope that is in our hearts and tell the truth in love. We must be willing to speak when prompted to speak and boldly share truth when presented with untruth.

Recently my husband and I were on the beautiful royal Princess enjoying a much needed bit of rest and relaxation. We have found in the past that the Lord uses us in many different venues and situations and we find ourselves meeting God appointments, even on cruise ships. One morning during brunch, I found myself seated next to a lady who was very excited to be on the cruise ship and enjoying the many entertainment options. One of the pluses of the new cruise ship was the on demand movies available to us in our staterooms. She expressed the delight in watching the newly released Hollywood film Noah and asked if I had seen it and what I thought of it. I told her that I had not seen the film, but had heard reviews about it.

My evaluation, based on the reviews, was that the producers of the movie had taken great liberty with the telling and had, in fact, misrepresented the story by adding false information and telling blatant lies. My opinion of the film, without seeing it, was that it veered away from the actual history written in the Biblical narrative. I told her that if she really wanted to know the true account of Noah that she should read the book of Genesis and that she would gain great insight into the event that is relayed to us in the original text. She was surprisingly open to my world view and said that she had a Bible and would definitely read it, as I had suggested.

I am not usually so forthright and bold, but I have been feeling a sense of urgency to be more open to telling the truth in the face of so many lies and misrepresentations coming from the enemy’s camp. We are living in an interesting age where there are those who say evil is good and good is evil. If we are to be honest about our position as Ambassadors of Christ, we must be transparent and open to tell those around us about the hope that we carry in our hearts. We are not walking in darkness, but we are in the Light of the Good News about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We, who are called by the Name of the Lord, should not substitute “churchianity” or church attendance or “church craft” a.k.a. our service and works in the name of denominationalism, for a true relationship with God. We are followers of God, not servants of our particular Christian brand or label or denomination. Even “professional Christians” need to be in a relationship with the Father through the Son. Having titles or labels or letters around our names can’t save us—only the Blood of the Lamb will cover our sins and redeem us from our old fallen nature.

The storytelling that comes out of Hollywood can either be true or false, depending on the world view of the producers. Yes, there is a community of true believers and followers of the Way in Southern California. They seek to promote the life giving Truth using their influence and resources. We have met such folks through our years of being involved in Christian television media.

Ken and Susan Wales (the producer of the Christy series) were dear folks that we met in B. C. at the inception of NOW TV. We also met Nancy Stafford—she was in Matlock with Andy Griffith—when she came to Winnipeg for a telethon put on by Trinity Television. Her passion to use the platform of celebrity to share the Truth of Jesus was heartwarming and encouraging.

I was privileged to witness Donna Douglas, better known as Elly May Clampett (The Beverly Hillbillies) up close and personal at a private function at Willard and Betty Thiessen’s home. Donna’s genuine compassionate heart was on display in a quiet servant attitude as relayed in a situation that I share in the book. I could go on in my “Name Dropping 101” but the bottom line is this, we are all called to walk worthy of the high calling of Christ. Our King requires servants who will be obedient to do whatever He gives us to do.

Whether we are in media or in everyday life situations, we are responsible to let our light so shine before men that they will see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven. I know I am ready, willing, able, and available for King Jesus’ calling as He invites me to follow Him every day. Are you ready and willing and available to let your light shine out into the darkness of this present age?

Jesus admonished His followers to not hide their light under a bushel, but to set the Light up high and let it shine for all to see. He will equip us for the task at hand because we are His Blood bought containers of clay and He is the Light!

About this Contributor:

Music, ministry, and miracles have been a large part of Linda’s life. Her initial appearance in 1977 on It’s A New Day led to more appearances on television as well as behind the scenes activities with the ministry of Trinity Television.

Linda feels privileged to have been an eyewitness to a piece of history known as Christian television in Canada.

In sharing her story, she hopes that others will be encouraged and challenged to support this unique tool of sowing, reaping, and harvest in the King’s fields.